Bombay Bicycle Club's Ed Nash's solo debut as Toothless has bite

Toothless

"The Pace of the Passing"

Release date: 27 January 2017

8/10

20 January 2017, 14:05 | Written by Lauren Wade

(Albums)

(Toothless)

Made up of a mixture of wistful acoustic melodies, swelling electronic instrumentals and throbbing basslines, Bombay Bicycle Club's Ed Nash's first solo venture isn't worlds apart from his main band's discography, but instead a variation on a theme that will have you falling hook, line and sinker for the long-overlooked indie bassist.

On semi-acoustic opening track "Charon", an air of laid-back artistic gloom is incorporated before lead single"Sisyphus" sees Nash up the tempo to a high which continues throughout the remainder of the record. Named after the Greek myth, "Sisyphus" is Toothless' take on the tale of a man whose punishment it is to roll a boulder up a hill every day, only for it to roll back down again. Despite it being the last to be recorded, the track's blistering guitar hooks and heady vocals make for a winning combination and is up there amongst the album's finest moments.

"Party For Two" is another bold moment that maintains the record's seductive qualities. Featuring Liz Lawrence, who has previously toured with Bombay Bicycle Club, the track is peppered with honeyed harmonies and is an uplifting number that flourishes. Elsewhere, organic indie number "Alright Alright Alright" is another key player awash with moody intensity, while the sprawling masterpiece "Terra" seamlessly transitions to the album's end.

The Pace Of The Passing is an expansive and ambitious record that should delight fans of Bombay Bicycle Club but also pull in listeners not be so acquainted with his previous work.